There's a lot more involved with exercising than just doing cardio and lifting weights. Staying hydrated, for instance, is crucial when working out. To prevent dehydration, read these tips before leaving Meetinghouse to exercise:
- Drink enough water before your workout. Try to drink at least 16 ounces of water two hours before you exercise. Drink an additional 8 ounces during your warmup.
- Hydrate while you exercise. For every 20 minutes you work out, you should drink 7 to 10 ounces of water. This will help prevent muscle cramps and regulate your body temperature.
- Drink water when you're finished. The sooner, the better, but try to drink 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes of your completed workout.
- Be on the lookout for dehydration signs. If you feel dizzy or nauseous or you muscles start to cramp while exercising, you may be dehydrated. Take a break and drink some water.
- Choose water over sports drinks. Sports drinks are loaded with sugar and sodium, which can cause you to become dehydrated. Stick to water, unless you plan on working out at high intensity for more than an hour. In that case, you might need the electrolytes and calories the sports drink has to offer.
Athletes: The Importance of Good Hydration [FamilyDoctor.org]
What Should I Drink While Exercising? [Runner’s World]
Staying Hydrated – Staying Healthy [American Heart Association]
